Interface Pressures Derived from a Calibrated Bandage Applied for Compression Therapy

Objectives: We sought to clarify the interface pressure (IP) and its variation by applying Biflex16, a calibrated bandage, to the lower leg. Methods: In Study I, 50 participants applied a bandage to the lower leg of a single subject in two ways: first, with 50% overlap, while the calibration rectangle became a square (Application 1), and then with 50% overlap without intentional stretch (Application 2) which served as a control. In Study II, another 51 participants applied the bandage to their lower leg via Application 1. The IP was measured at the level of the transposition of the medial gastrocnemius muscle into the Achilles tendon (B1). Results: In Study I, the median IP (37 mmHg) and interquartile range (IQR; 9 mmHg) in the standing position were the same for Applications 1 and 2. In Study II, the obtained IP and IQR values were 38 and 12 mmHg, respectively, in the sitting position. This IP was similar to that obtained in Study I, and no correlation was found between IP and leg circumference. Conclusions: The variation in the IP obtained by the calibrated bandage was reasonably small when applied via Application 1. The obtained IPs did not correlate with the leg circumference.